Monday, December 5, 2011

Traditional holiday favorites, tropical island rhythms and swinging rock melodies are among the musical numbers to be performed by the Saratoga Community Choir during the group’s annual Christmas concert this month.

The concert will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 4 p.m. at the Platte Valley Community Center Theater in Saratoga. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed.

Choir Director Valerie Larscheid says, “I’ve heard people say they look forward to the concert all year and it ‘makes’ their Christmas.” As the choir hosts an “after concert reception,” she says, “It’s a wonderful time for people to socialize, too.”

Ten numbers, ranging from the more traditional “Silver Bells” and “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah” to the swinging sounds of “Calypso Lullaby” and “Santa’s Rockin’ Round the Clock Tonight!,” will be performed by the “strong and mighty” 20-member group.

Pianist Carol Blake accompanies the choir. Local violinist Angela Tourney will join the musicians for a special rendition of “A Celtic Silent Night.” One unique aspect of this year’s group is the tenor section. Three of the four tenors are women.

Several choir members will perform solos and duets. Alto Erin Easter will be a soloist, Gene Smith and John Johnson will sing a duet and trombonist Robby Follum and flutist Lori Van Pelt will play a duet.

Larscheid says she’s grateful and honored to be able perform in the state-of-the-art Platte Valley Community Center Theater. “I also appreciate the members who come out to sing, and the volunteers who help to make the program possible,” she says. Donations received at the concert enable the group to purchase new music and are used also for advertising.

Larscheid has led the choir since 2006, with the exception of 2009, when she underwent successful surgery and treatment for breast cancer. Previous directors have included Bill Rathbun and Leslie Springsteen. For more information about the concert, contact Larscheid at (307) 326-8603 or by email at valley_girl1781@yahoo.com.